had a few extra pounds around his midsection. But damn he was wearing the fuck out of that suit.
“I’m wrong?” Spencer licked his lips and lowered his gaze suggestively down Cole’s thick body, thinking he could throw him off his game. “You’re having a liquid blowout sale on a new jewelry line?”
“Oh no. All of that stuff you’re right about. There’s no way that bracelet is one fifty. And no, I’m not the manager at this store.”
“Damn,” Brent muttered. “If you can’t trust a salesman to tell the truth, then what hope do we have?”
Cole’s warm gaze found Spencer’s and held it captive. “But you are wrong about the wife and kids. I’m single and alone this holiday like a lot of people. If I wasn’t here, I’d be home watching anything but a holiday movie and sipping a cognac. And lastly, I didn’t change the price when I got a look at the two of you.”
Spencer blinked.
“I changed the price when I got a look at you,” Cole added smoothly. “You looked as if you really wanted the piece, as if it’s all you asked for this year… and since this is the season to be giving, right? Right…”
“Yeah. I guess,” Spencer said, feeling out of breath. What the hell was happening? It was as if knowing this striking, charming, debonair man was as alone as him made him feel like… well, less pathetic. Wait… he’s probably lying about that too. Spencer mentally kicked himself for being so desperate, grabbed Brent, and hauled ass out of the store and straight to the mall’s exit.
“I would feel better about being late and getting lectured for fifteen minutes by my self-important boss if my best friend hadn’t left Burbank Jewelers empty-handed and depressed,” Brent said as he adjusted his black silk tie. He was wearing his tight black Hugo Boss dress slacks which meant he’d planned to add a bit of sway to his walk to make back the money he’d spent at the mall today in tips. Spencer added a few more Cuban cigars to his assistant’s tray and checked the pockets of his slacks for his cigar cutter and Zippo lighter. Tonight the gentlemen’s club he and Brent worked at in downtown Norfolk would be full of the wealthy, high-society men of Hampton Roads as they coveted the last few hours of peace they had before they were forced to play the dedicated family man for the holiday.
This place was not going to help his sour mood tonight. Spencer was really getting fed up with the direction his life was going, but he knew it was up to him to turn it around. And accepting gifts again was not the path he chose any longer. “So, I should’ve left with a bracelet that I couldn’t afford.” Spencer frowned.
“No. You should’ve left with his goddamn business card and phone number,” Brent said as he put his arm around Spencer’s slumped shoulders. “I know you were hurt by that rich asshole a long time ago, but you have to stop beating yourself up for that and realize you’re worthy of being with someone special. And you’re worthy of being spoiled with love and presents.”
“Thanks,” Spencer murmured before turning away to gather himself. He’d tried to stay out of that dark place in his heart, but it loved to rear its ugly head, especially around this time of year. His ex had used his wealth and prominent status in the community to try to control him. Mentally and physically. At first he’d felt special being involved with a congressman, he’d even tried to offer suggestions and insight on relevant local issues, but he’d discovered fairly quickly that when he spoke, his lover was no longer listening. And before Spencer knew it, he’d become another man’s arm candy, not a partner.
He’d never be another man’s trophy again.
Two
Cole
“Why didn’t you just gift wrap the damn thing, get down on one knee, and present it to him with your undying love and your fuckin’ balls, Cole?” Gerald asked as they locked up the jewelry cases. “For shit’s sake. I know you have a soft spot for writers, but what the hell was that?”
“Maybe I do have them priced too high. I mean, aspiring authors can’t afford six-hundred-dollar bracelets. Shit,” Cole berated himself, not caring about Gerald’s confusion.
“If you even think about adjusting those prices again, I’ll murder you and so will your father. This is your first solo collection, Coleman Burbank, and your dad’s not